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Ziegenhorn HV, Frie KG, Ekanem IO, Ebughe G, Kamate B, Traore C, Dzamalala C, Ogunbiyi O, Igbinoba F, Liu B, Bauer M, Thomssen C, Parkin DM, Wickenhauser C, Kantelhardt EJ. Breast cancer pathology services in sub-Saharan Africa: a survey within population-based cancer registries. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:912. [PMID: 33008380 PMCID: PMC7531092 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05752-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathologists face major challenges in breast cancer diagnostics in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The major problems identified as impairing the quality of pathology reports are shortcomings of equipment, organization and insufficiently qualified personnel. In addition, in the context of breast cancer, immunohistochemistry (IHC) needs to be available for the evaluation of biomarkers. In the study presented, we aim to describe the current state of breast cancer pathology in order to highlight the unmet needs. METHODS We obtained information on breast cancer pathology services within population-based cancer registries in SSA. A survey of 20 participating pathology centres was carried out. These centres represent large, rather well-equipped pathologies. The data obtained were related to the known population and breast cancer incidence of the registry areas. RESULTS The responding pathologists served populations of between 30,000 and 1.8 million and the centres surveyed dealt with 10-386 breast cancer cases per year. Time to fixation and formalin fixation time varied from overnight to more than 72 h. Only five centres processed core needle biopsies as a daily routine. Technical problems were common, with 14 centres reporting temporary power outages and 18 centres claiming to own faulty equipment with no access to technical support. Only half of the centres carried out IHC in their own laboratory. For three centres, IHC was only accessible outside of the country and one centre could not obtain any IHC results. A tumour board was established in 13 centres. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that breast cancer pathology services ensuring state-of-the-art therapy are only available in a small fraction of centres in SSA. To overcome these limitations, many of the centres require larger numbers of experienced pathologists and technical staff. Furthermore, equipment maintenance, standardization of processing guidelines and establishment of an IHC service are needed to comply with international standards of breast cancer pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes-Viktor Ziegenhorn
- Institute of Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburgerstrasse 8, 06097, Halle, Germany
| | - Kirstin Grosse Frie
- Institute of Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburgerstrasse 8, 06097, Halle, Germany
| | - Ima-Obong Ekanem
- Department of Pathology, University of Calabar, Cancer Registry, Calabar, Nigeria
- University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Godwin Ebughe
- Department of Pathology, University of Calabar, Cancer Registry, Calabar, Nigeria
- University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Bakarou Kamate
- Department of Pathology, University of Bamako, Bamako Cancer Registry, Bamako, Mali
| | - Cheick Traore
- Department of Pathology, University of Bamako, Bamako Cancer Registry, Bamako, Mali
| | - Charles Dzamalala
- University of Malawi College of Medicine, Cancer Registry, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Olufemi Ogunbiyi
- University of Ibadan, Cancer registry, Ibadan, Nigeria
- University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Biying Liu
- The African Cancer Registry Network, INCTR African Registry Program, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marcus Bauer
- Institute of Pathology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Christoph Thomssen
- Department of Gynaecology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Donald Maxwell Parkin
- The African Cancer Registry Network, INCTR African Registry Program, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Eva Johanna Kantelhardt
- Institute of Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburgerstrasse 8, 06097, Halle, Germany.
- Department of Gynaecology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.
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Thulaseedharan JV, Frie KG, Sankaranarayanan R. Challenges of health promotion and education strategies to prevent cervical cancer in India: A systematic review. J Educ Health Promot 2019; 8:216. [PMID: 31867380 PMCID: PMC6905291 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_156_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although there is a reduction in cervical cancer incidence over the years, it keeps the second position of the most common cancers among females in India. The aim of this review is to understand the challenges of health promotion and education strategies to prevent cervical cancer in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS This review is based on 78 studies published during 1993-2017 on the topics of awareness, attitude, and acceptance toward cervical cancer, screening, and human papilloma virus vaccination among Indians. The extracted information was summarized according to different populations such as people from different social and community groups, women and men attended clinics, students (nursing/medical/nonmedical), health-care providers (doctors, nurses, and other health workers), migrated Indians, and cervical cancer patients. RESULTS The awareness about cervical cancer and its prevention was very poor among women from different communities and the majority had a negative attitude toward screening and vaccination in general. The health professionals and medical students were more aware of cervical cancer and its prevention compared to the general population. Majority of students irrespective of medical or nonmedical background had a positive attitude toward vaccination. Only a small proportion of women in the general population were ever screened. CONCLUSIONS Observations from this review indicate immediate attention of the public health authority to take appropriate actions to educate and motivate general population toward cervical cancer prevention and to improve the facilities to incorporate the much needed preventive and early detection interventions in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jissa Vinoda Thulaseedharan
- Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Kirstin Grosse Frie
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Informatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Rengaswamy Sankaranarayanan
- Research Triangle Institute Global India Private Limited (RTI International), New Delhi, 100 037, India
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon CEDEX 08, France
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Grosse Frie K, Kamaté B, Traoré CB, Coulibaly B, Mallé B, Kantelhardt EJ. Health system organisation and patient pathways: breast care patients' trajectories and medical doctors' practice in Mali. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:204. [PMID: 30777038 PMCID: PMC6379964 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6532-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Information on pathways of women seeking diagnostic services due to breast- related symptoms can help highlight challenges related to the healthcare system in improving early diagnosis of breast cancer. Methods We retrospectively analysed the entire patient pathway, from first symptom recognition via initial healthcare visit up to final diagnosis at the pathology service in Mali. Data from questionnaire-based structured patient interviews (n = 124) were used to calculate time to first healthcare visit (median 91 days) and consecutive time to diagnosis (median 21 days) and to extract information on type of initially visited healthcare facility (community healthcare centre, referral hospital, tertiary hospital, private clinic). Median time to first healthcare visit and time to diagnosis and type of initially-visited healthcare facility were cross-tabulated with patient characteristics. An additional survey among (n = 30) medical doctors in the community healthcare centres and referral hospitals in Bamako was conducted to understand current knowledge and referral practice with respect to female patients with breast-related symptoms. Results Patients who initially visited private clinics had the shortest time to first healthcare visit (median 44 days), but the longest time to diagnosis (median 170 days). Patients visiting community healthcare centres and referral hospitals took longest for a first healthcare visit (median 153 and 206 days, respectively), but the time to diagnosis was shorter (median 95 and 7 days, respectively). The majority of patients (45%) initially visited a tertiary hospital; these patients had shortest total time to diagnosis (median 56 days health seeking and 8 days diagnostic time), but did not follow the recommended pathway for patients in the pyramidal healthcare system in Mali. The doctors’ survey showed lower breast cancer knowledge in the community healthcare centres than in the referral hospitals. However, most doctors felt able to recognise suspected cases of cancer and referred patients directly to a hospital. Conclusions The role of different healthcare facilities in ensuring triage of patients with breast-related symptoms needs to be defined before any early detection initiatives are implemented. Especially at the entry level of the healthcare system, the access and quality of health services need to be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin Grosse Frie
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Informatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburgerstraße 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Bakarou Kamaté
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | | | | | - Brahima Mallé
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | - Eva Johanna Kantelhardt
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Informatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburgerstraße 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle, Germany
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Grosse Frie K, Kamaté B, Traoré CB, Ly M, Mallé B, Coulibaly B, Wienke A, Kantelhardt EJ. Factors associated with time to first healthcare visit, diagnosis and treatment, and their impact on survival among breast cancer patients in Mali. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207928. [PMID: 30496219 PMCID: PMC6264812 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To analyse patient and healthcare system related factors influencing the time to first healthcare visit, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer patients in sub-Saharan Africa and the impact on survival in order to advise on early detection strategies. Methods A prospective hospital cohort study was conducted at the only pathology department in Mali, at the University Hospital in Bamako. All the female patients with a breast cancer diagnosis between January and April 2016 were interviewed with a structured questionnaire (N = 64) to gather information about breast symptom recognition and first healthcare visit. Information on beginning of treatment and survival were collected at 18-months follow-up. Simple Cox regression analyses were performed. Results The median time to first healthcare visit was 4.8 months, from first healthcare visit to diagnosis was 0.9 months and for the patients who started treatment (N = 46) the time from diagnosis to treatment was 1.3 months. Knowledge of breast-self-examination and correct symptom interpretation increased the chance of an earlier healthcare visit. Prolonged time to diagnosis was found with shorter duration to first healthcare visit, for working women compared to housewives and for those living within Bamako. Living outside Bamako and smaller tumour size (T1/T2) prolonged time to treatment. Visit of a traditional healer and larger tumour size (T3/T4) shortened survival time, whereas time to first healthcare visit and subsequent time to diagnosis had no influence on survival. Conclusions Down-staging strategies are only useful if the continuum of breast cancer care is warranted for the majority of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin Grosse Frie
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Informatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Bakarou Kamaté
- Institut of Pathology, University Hospital Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Madani Ly
- Oncology Department, Hôpital Luxemburg, Bamako, Mali
| | - Brahima Mallé
- Institut of Pathology, University Hospital Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Andreas Wienke
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Informatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Eva Johanna Kantelhardt
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Informatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Department of Gynaecology, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Germany
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Ströbele L, Kantelhardt EJ, Traoré Millogo TFD, Sarigda M, Wacker J, Grosse Frie K. Prevalence of breast-related symptoms, health care seeking behaviour and diagnostic needs among women in Burkina Faso. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:447. [PMID: 29615015 PMCID: PMC5883529 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5360-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of breast cancer has been increasing in sub-Saharan Africa over the last few years. Patients often present with late stage disease, resulting in a high mortality rate. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of breast -related symptoms in the female population of Burkina Faso. The findings can be used to advise on adequate diagnostic health services for breast symptoms to ensure early detection and down-staging of breast cancer. Methods A cross-sectional, population based study of 996 women was conducted to investigate the proportion of women with breast-related symptoms. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, information about breast cancer knowledge and details about breast-related symptoms, health care seeking and medical care. Breast-related symptoms were categorised as currently present/not currently present to estimate the current prevalence of women requiring a diagnostic service. Results Among the 996 women, 120 reported having had a breast-related symptom in their life. Only 36 women sought medical advice and eight women had diagnostic confirmation by histological or imaging techniques. Current breast-related symptoms were reported by 33 women (3.3% of the sample). An extrapolation to Burkina Faso’s female population suggests that 184,562 women are in current need of diagnostic services due to any breast-related symptoms. Conclusions Imaging techniques at the community and referral level are needed in order to triage women with breast-related symptoms. Specialised services need to be strengthened to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases. Education campaigns among the general population and among health care professionals are required to increase awareness of breast cancer and improve prompt health care seeking and referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Ströbele
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Informatics, Magdeburger Straße 8, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Eva Johanna Kantelhardt
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Informatics, Magdeburger Straße 8, 06112, Halle, Germany.,Department of Gynaecology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097, Halle, Germany
| | | | - Maurice Sarigda
- Unité de Formation en Sciences de la Santé, Université Ouaga 1 Professeur Joseph Ki Zerbo 03 B.P. 7021, Ouagadougou, 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Jürgen Wacker
- Fürst-Stirum-Klinik Bruchsal, Gutleutstraße 1-14, 76646, Bruchsal, Germany
| | - Kirstin Grosse Frie
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Informatics, Magdeburger Straße 8, 06112, Halle, Germany.
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Grosse Frie K, Samoura H, Diop S, Kamate B, Traore CB, Malle B, Coulibaly B, Kantelhardt EJ. Why Do Women with Breast Cancer Get Diagnosed and Treated Late in Sub-Saharan Africa? Perspectives from Women and Patients in Bamako, Mali. Breast Care (Basel) 2018; 13:39-43. [PMID: 29950966 PMCID: PMC6016059 DOI: 10.1159/000481087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer, the most common cancer among women worldwide, has a high mortality rate in low-income countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, most breast cancer patients are diagnosed with advanced disease. Some studies have quantified the time delay to diagnosis in sub-Saharan Africa, but very few have used qualitative methods to understand barriers leading to delay. This study analyses barriers throughout a breast cancer patient's pathway from symptom recognition to treatment in Mali. METHOD Three focus group discussions were conducted. The model of pathways to treatment was used to structure the results into 4 time intervals: appraisal, help-seeking, diagnosis, and treatment, with a focus on barriers during each interval. RESULTS The main barriers during the appraisal interval were a low level of breast cancer knowledge among women, their families, and medical professionals, and during the help-seeking interval, mistrust in the community health care centers and economic hardship. Barriers during the diagnosis interval were low quality of health care services and lack of social support, and during the pretreatment interval high costs and lack of specialized services. CONCLUSION Multilevel interventions are needed to ensure access, availability, and affordability of a minimum standard of care for breast cancer patients in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin Grosse Frie
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Informatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Hatouma Samoura
- Institute of Public Health, University of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Samba Diop
- Institute of Public Health, University of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Bakarou Kamate
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Brahima Malle
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Eva Johanna Kantelhardt
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Informatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), Germany
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Gadgil A, Sauvaget C, Roy N, Grosse Frie K, Chakraborty A, Lucas E, Bantwal K, Haldar I, Sankaranarayanan R. Breast Cancer Awareness among Middle Class Urban Women--a Community-Based Study from Mumbai, India. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2016; 16:6249-54. [PMID: 26434824 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.15.6249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting breast cancer awareness along with comprehensive cancer care is appropriate in low and middle income countries like India, where there are no organized and affordable screening services. It is essential to identify the existing awareness about breast cancer in the community prior to launching an organized effort. This study assessed the existing awareness about breast cancer amongst women and their health seeking practices in an urban community in Mumbai, India. A postal survey was undertaken with low or no cost options for returning the completed questionnaires. The majority of the women were aware about cancer but awareness about symptoms and signs was poor. Women were willing to accept more information about cancer and those with higher awareness scores were more likely to seek medical help. They were also more likely to have undergone breast examination in the past and less likely to use alternative medicines. High income was associated with better awareness but this did not translate into better health seeking behaviour. Organized programmes giving detailed information about breast cancer and its symptoms are needed and women from all income categories need to be encouraged for positive change towards health seeking. Further detailed studies regarding barriers to health seeking in India are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Gadgil
- Department of Surgery, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India E-mail :
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Hutchings A, Grosse Frie K, Neuburger J, van der Meulen J, Black N. Late response to patient-reported outcome questionnaires after surgery was associated with worse outcome. J Clin Epidemiol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Grosse Frie K, Ramadas K, Anju GA, Mathew BS, Muwonge R, Sauvaget CS, Thara ST, Sankaranarayanan R. Determinants of participation in a breast cancer screening trial in trivandrum district, India. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2013; 14:7301-7. [PMID: 24460292 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2013.14.12.7301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conspicuous differences in participation rates for breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and referral for further investigations have been observed indicating involvement of a number of different factors. This study analysed determinants for participation in different levels of the breast cancer screening process in Indian females. MATERIALS AND METHODS An intervention group of 52,011 women was interviewed in a breast cancer screening trial in Trivandrum district, India. In order to assess demographic, socio-economic, reproductive, and cancer-related determinants of participation in BSE, CBE, and referral, uni- and multi-variate logistic regression was employed. RESULTS Of the interviewed women, 23.2% reported practicing BSE, 96.8% had attended CBE, and 49.1% of 2,880 screen-positives attended referral. Results showed an influence of various determinants on participation; women who were currently not married or who had no family history of cancer were significantly less likely to attend the screening process at any level. CONCLUSIONS Increasing awareness about breast cancer, early detection methods, and the advantages of early diagnoses among women, and their families, as well as health care workers offering social support, could help to increase participation over the entire screening process in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin Grosse Frie
- Early Detection and Prevention, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France E-mail :
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Frie KG, van der Meulen J, Black N. Single item on patients’ satisfaction with condition provided additional insight into impact of surgery. J Clin Epidemiol 2012; 65:619-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2011.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2011] [Revised: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Hutchings A, Neuburger J, Grosse Frie K, Black N, van der Meulen J. Factors associated with non-response in routine use of patient reported outcome measures after elective surgery in England. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2012; 10:34. [PMID: 22462512 PMCID: PMC3344679 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7525-10-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patient-reported outcome measures are increasingly being used to compare providers. We studied whether non-response rates to post-operative questionnaires are associated with patients' characteristics and organisational features of providers. Methods 131 447 patients who underwent a hip or knee replacement, hernia repair or varicose vein surgery in 2009-10 in England. Multivariable logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios of non-response for characteristics of the patients and organisational characteristics of providers. Multiple imputation was used for missing patient characteristics. Providers were included as random effects. Results Response rates to the post-operative questionnaire were 85.1% for hip replacement (n = 37 961), 85.3% for knee replacements (n = 44 422), 72.9% for hernia repair (n = 34 964), and 64.8% for varicose vein surgery (n = 14 100). Across the four procedures, there were higher levels of non-response in men (odds ratios 1.03 [95% CI 0.95-1.11] - 1.35 [1.25-1.46]), younger patients (those under 55 years 3.01 [2.72-3.32] - 6.05 [5.49-6.67]), non-white patients (1.24 [1.11-1.38] - 2.08 [1.89-2.31]), patients in the most deprived quintile of socio-economic status (1.47 [1.34-1,62] - 1.86 [1.71-2.03]), those who lived alone (1.11 [0.99-1.23] - 1.27 [1.18-1.36]) and those who had been assisted when completing their pre-operative questionnaire (1.26 [1.10-1.46] -1.67 [1.56-1.79]). Non-response rates were also higher in patients who had poorer pre-operative health (three or more comorbidities: 1.14 [0.96-1.35] - 1.45 [1.30-1.63]). Providers' patient recruitment rates before surgery and the timing of pre-operative questionnaire administration did not affect the rates of response to post-operative questionnaires. Conclusion If non-response can be shown to be associated with outcome, then rates of non-response to post-operative questionnaires would need to be taken into account when these measures are being used to compare the performance of providers or to evaluate surgical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Hutchings
- Department of Health Services Research & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK.
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Klein J, Grosse Frie K, Blum K, von dem Knesebeck O. Psychosocial stress at work and perceived quality of care among clinicians in surgery. BMC Health Serv Res 2011; 11:109. [PMID: 21599882 PMCID: PMC3119178 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-11-109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about the association between job stress and job performance among surgeons, although physicians' well-being could be regarded as an important quality indicator. This paper examines associations between psychosocial job stress and perceived health care quality among German clinicians in surgery. Methods Survey data of 1,311 surgeons from 489 hospitals were analysed. Psychosocial stress at work was measured by the effort-reward imbalance model (ERI) and the demand-control model (job strain). The quality of health care was evaluated by physicians' self-assessed performance, service quality and error frequency. Data were collected in a nationwide standardised mail survey. 53% of the contacted hospitals sent back the questionnaire; the response rate of the clinicians in the participating hospitals was about 65%. To estimate the association between job stress and quality of care multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results Clinicians exposed to job stress have an increased risk of reporting suboptimal quality of care. Magnitude of the association varies depending on the respective job stress model and the indicator of health care quality used. Odds ratios, adjusted for gender, occupational position and job experience vary between 1.04 (CI 0.70-1.57) and 3.21 (CI 2.23-4.61). Conclusion Findings indicate that theoretical models of psychosocial stress at work can enrich the analysis of effects of working conditions on health care quality. Moreover, results suggest interventions for job related health promotion measures to improve the clinicians' working conditions, their quality of care and their patients' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Klein
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Department of Medical Sociology and Health Economics, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
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Klein J, Grosse Frie K, Blum K, von dem Knesebeck O. Burnout and perceived quality of care among German clinicians in surgery. Int J Qual Health Care 2010; 22:525-30. [PMID: 20935011 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzq056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Burnout is highly prevalent among clinicians but there is not much known about the association between burnout and quality of care. In this paper, burnout, perceived quality of care and medical errors among German clinicians in surgery are explored. DESIGN Data were collected during 2008 by a cross-sectional, standardized mail survey. PARTICIPANTS and SETTING A total of 1311 clinicians in surgery in 489 German hospitals. Measure(s) Burnout was measured by using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). The measurement of self-rated patient care was based on a 13 item instrument (Chirurgisches Qualitätssiegel) and two questions assessing the frequency of medical errors. RESULTS About 48.7% of the clinicians meet the criteria for burnout according to the CBI. Moreover, in multivariate logistic regression analyses, burnout is significantly associated with perceived quality of care among male (odds ratios vary from 1.5 to 2.6) but not among female surgeons (odds ratios vary from 1.3 to 1.5). CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of burnout in our study corresponds with former studies of burnout among physicians. Furthermore, the results of the study suggest a relationship between burnout and perceived quality of care among men. Thus, reducing burnout among surgeons could not only improve their health and well-being but also the quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Klein
- Department of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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von dem Knesebeck O, Klein J, Grosse Frie K, Blum K, Siegrist J. Psychosocial stress among hospital doctors in surgical fields: results of a nationwide survey in Germany. Dtsch Arztebl Int 2010; 107:248-53. [PMID: 20436777 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2010.0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2009] [Accepted: 10/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this paper is to analyze psychosocial stress in the workplace among hospital doctors working in surgical fields in Germany with the aid of the demand-control model, the effort-reward imbalance model, and selected additional indicators. METHODS A written questionnaire was answered by a stratified random sample consisting of 1311 hospital doctors working in surgical fields in 489 hospitals in Germany. Validated instruments were used to make measurements according to the demand-control and effort-reward imbalance models. RESULTS The working conditions of about a quarter of the hospital doctors surveyed were characterized by an effort-reward imbalance. 22% of them have "job strain" according to the demand-control model, i.e., they are confronted with high demands, yet have a low degree of control. Residents and assistant physicians not occupying training positions were both found to have an especially high degree of psychosocial stress. Furthermore, about one-fifth of the hospital doctors surveyed thought about giving up their profession at least a few times per month. 44% of them considered that the quality of patient care was sometimes or often impaired by an excessive physician workload. CONCLUSION An investigation of psychosocial stress in the workplace among hospital doctors in surgical fields in Germany indicates that this group suffers from more severe stress at work than other occupational groups. Such working conditions pose a threat to these physicians' own health and to the quality of the health care that they provide.
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Klein J, Grosse Frie K, Blum K, Siegrist J, dem Knesebeck OV. [Effort-reward imbalance, job strain and burnout among clinicians in surgery]. Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol 2010; 60:374-9. [PMID: 20101559 DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1246173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to analyse the association between psychosocial stress at work and burnout among clinicians in surgery in Germany. For the conceptualisation of work stress the demand-control model (job strain) and the effort-reward imbalance model (ERI) were used. Based on a stratified probability sample a mail survey of 1 311 clinicians from 489 hospitals was conducted. Burnout was measured by the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Results of logistic regressions show that both models are significantly associated with burnout (odds ratio job strain: 6.53 (95% confidence interval 4.50-9.46), odds ratio ERI: 5.39 (95% confidence interval 3.94-7.36). Clinicians who are exposed to both, job strain and ERI, have an additionally increased risk. The demand-control model and the effort-reward imbalance model suggest theory-driven interventions for job related health promotion measures which aim for improved working conditions and a decrease of health risks among clinicians in surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Klein
- Institut für Medizin-Soziolgie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf.
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Grosse Frie K, Eikemo TA, von dem Knesebeck O. Education and self-reported health care seeking behaviour in European welfare regimes: results from the European Social Survey. Int J Public Health 2009; 55:217-20. [PMID: 19763393 DOI: 10.1007/s00038-009-0073-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2009] [Revised: 08/20/2009] [Accepted: 09/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigates educational inequalities in the perception of need for seeking health care in 24 European countries belonging to five different welfare regimes (Scandinavian, Anglo-Saxon, Bismarckian, Eastern and Southern). METHODS Based on the European Social Survey Round 2 (N = 38,122), associations between years of education and intended doctor consultation in case of four hypothetical symptoms (backache, sore throat, sleeping problems and headache) are analysed by multiple logistic regressions. RESULTS People with less years of education tend to be more likely to consult a doctor compared to people with more education years after adjustment for age and gender. Associations are significant in all welfare regimes, except for the Southern. CONCLUSION Educational inequalities in the perception of need for seeking health care can be found in different welfare regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin Grosse Frie
- Department of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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